oh before you say use the windows iis !
I have apache runing on windows 2k pro so need a smtp .
I have my test ubbthreads installed but I keep getting the smtp mail error because I have not specify in the php.ini .
question is do I need to install a mail service or can I just use my smpt from my isp ?
how do you guy's running windows have your smtp setup in your php.ini?

thanks in advance

If your ISP allows you to send email without validating first then I don't see a reason why you can't use their smtp.

If not, then you could surely install a mail service... that is provided your ISP isn't blocking that port to keep you from running your own mail service. Many of them do that nowdays.

cool thanks I'll try that

If you need a Mail server there are plenty free around there. You can use Mercury (this one allows IMAP) or MailEnable, although you need to create the accounts yourself with access to the box via terminal services or RAdmin since they do not have html interfaces.

thanks I'll try that .
my isp don't like me using there smtp I guess because I'm not getting any of the emails from threads . it's only my test box so no worries.